By Celeste Percy-Beauregard
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Hamilton Spectator

Patients at Brantford General Hospital and the Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris can now voluntarily self-identify as Indigenous or First Nations. It may sound like a small change — but it will hopefully help connect more people with culturally safe care and better supports once they leave, Michelle Bomberry, […]

By Carl Clutchey
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Rural municipalities, Indigenous communities, non-profit groups and small businesses have until early fall to try and tap into a $20-million provincial fund for eligible community projects over the next two years. An application period for the fund was launched at the end of June and closes on Sept. 24, according […]

By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

Online learning in Manitoba has largely reverted to its pre-pandemic state following the closure of the Virtual School. For some, that’s a huge relief. Others consider it a missed opportunity. The education department’s new enrolment report shows the Winnipeg School Division-run Virtual School ceased to exist in 2024. The decision […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

Yesterday, Wednesday July 2, Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas and Mayor Drake Dill of International Falls came together to sign a declaration of friendship between the two municipalities. Following the ceremony Halikas noted that in conversation both mayors acknowledged that citizens of both towns were wary about crossing the border, […]

From Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services
Press release

Fort Frances, ON – July 3, 2025 – Giishkaandago’Ikwe Health Services is proud to announce the launch of its revamped feedback process and employee recognition program, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to client-centred care and continuous quality improvement. This updated process encourages clients, families, and communities to share their experiences and […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Bayfest 2025 has been cancelled. Organizers said a combination of “logistical complications, significantly increased production costs, and the rising cost of the U.S. dollar have made it financially unfeasible to move forward.” Dave Allen, with Acadia Broadcasting, said, “Additionally, ticket sales have not reached the levels necessary to support the […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – In a first for the city, June 30 — the day before Canada Day — was declared Indigenous Survivors Day. Thunder Bay held a flag raising ceremony at City Hall and a sacred fire ceremony at Hillcrest Park. Tanis Thompson, the city’s manager of Indigenous relations, told Newswatch that Thunder Bay isn’t the only […]

By Shari Narine
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com

Two anthologies edited by sisters Stephanie and Sara Sinclair that will hit the bookstores in late July and late August complement each other, although they were conceived at different times. You Were Made for this World, aimed at youth, was the first project. Six to 12 months later, A Steady Brightness of […]

By Ethan Braund
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

At a time of increasing reliance on battery-powered devices and electric vehicles, which has significantly amplified battery waste, recycling batteries has become even more important. Filling that role is Call2Recyle Canada, a not-for-profit founded in 1997. Some 6.8 million kilograms of used batteries were recycled in Canada last year, a […]